Layoffs at The Escapist

Defy Media shuts down Durham office; gaming website will now be based out of Seattle

The Escapist parent company Defy Media is shutting down the website's main office in Durham, North Carolina, according to senior vice president of games Alexander Macris. In conjunction with the closure, Defy has also laid off a number of employees from the site.

However, The Escapist is not being shuttered entirely. Macris said it will continue with editor-in-chief Joshua Vanderwall running the operation out of Seattle.

[UPDATE]: Shortly after publication, a Defy representative responded to a request for comment, saying, "In response to your inquiry, Defy's Durham, NC office is being shut down as operations are consolidating in Los Angeles. The Escapist is continuing in operation under its current EIC, Josh Vanderwall. Alexander Macris, who oversees The Escapist as well as Addicting Games and Shockwave properties, will also remain with the company."

We have asked for further clarification about whether the operation will now be based in LA or Seattle.